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What is Olympic Canoe?

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:13:14 +0000

Since its cold in most places in the United States and most people aren't in their boats, I thought we'd stay on the topic of the Olympics. For the majority of paddlers canoeing (and kayaking) is a means of recreation. There is however a whole other side to the sport. A competitive side. A heroic side. In the world of canoe competition, there is no greater venue than the Summer Olympics.

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The 2012 London Olympics are Coming!

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:55:46 +0000

It seems like just yesterday that we were watching the Beijing Games. Who can believe that's 4 years ago! Well, technically it has been 3 and a half, but who's counting? Well, this summer promises to bring lots of spectator enjoyment. Hopefully this year they'll televise more of the Olympic Canoe events. Here are some articles to get you to start thinking about the Summer Games.

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So, What's the Difference Between Rowing and Paddling?

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:49:13 +0000

It's quite common for non paddlers and rowers to get the sports mixed up. I even know a canoe owner that called their canoe paddle an oar! I guess it's an innocent mistake. Knowing that doesn't make it any easier on our ears. Can I see a show of hands if you agree? Thank you.

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Gear Up! Putting on Your Whitewater Kayaking Gear

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:46:55 +0000

I've spent the last month providing you with insight and tips on how to put on different articles of whitewater kayaking gear. Well, let's put it all together. From start to finish, there is an order on how a kayaker should put their gear on. For instance, you wouldn't want to put your helmet on before putting your PFD on. A spray skirt can't go on before a dry top.

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Attaching Those Pesky Spray Skirts

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:41:57 +0000

Spray skirts are those ingenious inventions that allow kayakers to roll their boats without sinking them. They keep water out of the kayak and enable whitewater kayakers to brave the rapids and come out the other side while still in their kayaks. But, as every whitewater kayaker has experienced, either in person or in witness, its not always easy to get that darn spray skirt attached to the kayak. If you know someone who habitually has this issue and you're always waiting for this individual to get their skirt on so you can start your day forward them this article on how to put on and attach a kayak spray skirt.

How to Put on a Dry Top

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:32:22 +0000

If you're a whitewater kayaker and you hate wearing a dry suit, chances are you wear a dry top. Dry tops are more comfortable and easier to put on. However, dry tops do present their own set of issues when putting them on that dry suit wearers don't face. This is because you step into dry suits and dry tops are pulled over the head.

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I Hate Putting on My Dry Suit!

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:06:51 +0000

The situation goes like this. Its cold out. You're on the side of the road and you've just run shuttle. You're organizing your gear and dreading the whole time what must come next. You have to put on your cold weather gear. This means you must strip down on the side of the road, and fingertips numb, begin to contort into your dry suit. This can either go smoothly or be the most frustrating part of your day. And, while it is true that the design and technology of dry suits over the last 15 years has increased drastically, knowing how to put on a dry suit definitely makes life a lot easier. So, go ahead and practice ahead of time so you're not standing in your skivvies in some small town giving the locals a show while you wrestle with your gear.

Dry Tops, Dry Suits, Wet Suits, Paddle Jackets

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:09:28 +0000

While temperatures drop and snow storms occur around the United States, paddlers have for the most part hung up their gear and buried their boats in their garages. For the kayakers, canoeists, and rafters that are willing to brave these frigid conditions they must figure out what to wear to keep themselves warm in their boats. Some boaters like dry tops, others like full dry suits, and yet there are some boaters that still like wet suits.

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2012 Paddling Goals

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:15:53 +0000

Each year at about this time I challenge my readers to reflect back on the previous year's paddling accomplishments.

Did you improve your paddling technique? Were there any memorable paddling trips that you took? Did you buy a new boat? Learn a new paddlesport? How many days did you get out on the water?

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How to Choose a Kayak

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:08:51 +0000

Many people want to get into the sport of kayaking after only brief exposure to the sport. For this reason all of the nuances associated with choosing their first kayak are not often clear to the beginner when going to buy a kayak. There are many factors such as what type of kayak to buy, should you buy a plastic or a composite kayak, and the size the kayak should be. This minefield of questions can only be answered through discussion with other paddlers and doing some good research.

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